Plumbing pixture



Nov. 416 1926. 1,607,521

w. FRANKENBERGER PLUMBING FIXTURE Filed April l5, 1925 Patented Nov. 16, 19,26.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

TIVLLIAM FRANKENBERGER, F LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, ASSIGNOR TO STANDARD SANITARY MANUFACTURNG COMPANY, A CORPORATIGN OF NEW JERSEY.

PLUMBING FIXTURE.

Application filed April 15, 1925. Serial No. 23,302.

This invention relates to plumbing lixtures and more particularly to stoppers for use in connection with lavatories, bath tubs and the like.

Stoppers of the type set forth are generally connected to a chain, the other end of which is usually secured to an escutcheon or similar device in front of the overflow opening of the lavatory or bath tub.

rPhe connection between the chain and stopper, or escutcheon, consists of a split ring in either end of the chain by means of which it is attached to the associated member. After attaching the members to the chain the ends of the split ring are pressed together. The trouble experienced by the split ring opening with the resulting separation of the chain from either the stopper or the escutcheon, or both, is too well known to warrant description.

An object of this invention is to provide a connection between a stopper of the type set forth and the associated chain which will prevent any separation of these members. rl'he improved connection is, of course, equally adapted for use in connecting the other end of the chain to an escutcheon or similar member.

A further object is to provide a device of the type set forth which will be easy and cheap to manufacture, simple and rugged in construction and positive in operation.

,These and other objects which will appear obvious to those skilled in this particular art are accomplished by means of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which Figure 1 is a transverse sectional view of a lavatory showing one form of this invention in operative position. Fig..2 is a transverse sectional view of a stopper and chain constructed in accordance with one form of this invention. Fig. 3 is a similar view of the invention applied to the chain for securing it toan escutcheon and Fig. 4 shows one of the connecting elements in side elevation and top plan view.

The particular embodiment of this invention which has been chosen for the purposes of illustration is shown in connection with the usual form of lavatory 5 having the usual drain outlet 6 and provided with an escuteheon 7 mounted in front of the overflow opening. A stopper 8 is used to open and close the drain outlet 6. The stopper is connected to the lavatory by a chain 9 having one end secured to the stopper and the other end secured to the escutcheon.

In order to eliminatethe trouble caused by the chain becoming disconnected from one or the other of its associated elements I preferably provide the stopper with a eentra-l bore 10 having counterbores 11 and 12 at the respective ends thereof. An annular member 13 is adapted toklit snugly within the bore 10 and is provided with a flange 14. which seats within the counterbore 11. The annular member has a central bore 15 and a flange 16 is provided at the outer end so as to partially close that end of the central bore.

The chain 9 is preferably in the form of the well known ball chain and is of such size that'it will pass into the bore 15 through the opening in the annular flange 16. After passing one end of the chain through the annular flange I provide the end ball thereof with an enlargement which will act as a stop to engage the flange 16 so as to prevent separation of the chain and the annular member 13. This is preferably accomplished by means of a substantially semispherical hollow casing 17 having a slit 18 from one edge thereof to the bottom. The casing is applied to the end ball of the chain by slipping the neck 19 upon which the ball is mounted through the slit-18 of the casina' so that the latter partially su 1rounds the ball as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The easing then forms an enlargement on the end of the chain which cannot be drawn past the flange 16 of the annular member lil-so that the chain is securely connected thereto. The annular member is then secured in position by means of a screw 2O which is threaded. into the bore 15 and which has a flange 21 seating in the counterbore 12 of the stopper.

Of course, the specific shape or size of the enlargement is immaterial so long as it serves to prevent the chain from being withdrawn from the associated member.

The other end of the chain may be secured to the cscutcheon in the same general manner. Preferably, and as shown. the escutcheon is provided with a bore or opening 22 of sufficient size to permit the end of the chain to pass through. .After the end of the chain is inserted through the bore 22 of the escuteheon the easing 17 is applied to the end ball thereof as above described and conlUll stitutes an enlargement Which cannot be passed through the bore and thus prevents the Chain from being Withdrawn therefrom.

TWhat claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: Y

l. A plumbing' fixture including in Combination a member having `a bore there'- through, a chain associated with said bore and means surrounding and secured to lthe end ol" said chain for preventing,- Withdrawal thereof trom said bore.

2. A plumbing fixture including` in combination a member having a bore there-v through, a ball chain associated with said bore and a easing` secured to the end ball of said chain and constituting. an enlargement for preventing Withdrawal of' said chain from said bore.

3. A plumbing Xture including .in Combination a member having a bore therethrough, a ball Chain vassociated with said bar and a removable easing secured to the end ball ol said Chain and constituting an enlargement 'for preventing Withdrawal of said Chain 'from said bore.

l. A stopper having in Combination therewith, an annular member secured thereto, a ball Chain extending into the bore of said annular member and a split easing for the end ball ot' said chain adapted to form an enlargement to prevent Withdrawal ot said chain from said member.

5. A stopperl having a central bore and a counterbore at each end thereof, an annular member seated in one or' said Counterbores, an annular' llange at one end of the bore of' said annular member, a ball chain extending into the bore ot said annular member through the opening in said flange, a split casing mounted on the end ball ot chain and forming an enlargement adapted to engage. said flange for preventing' ivithdravval of said chain from said member and means seating` in the other of said counter-` bores for clamping Said member to said stopper.

In testimony whereof, l have hereunto subscribed my name this 6th day7 of April, 1925.

' WILLIAM FRANKENBERGER. 

